BURNT toast triggered the evacuation of a block of flats.

Fire crews from Basildon, Orsett, Corringham, Rayleigh Weir and an aerial ladder platform from Grays raced to Ravensfield Court, off Ravensfield, in Basildon, after being alerted by Careline just after 3pm  today, Friday.

Residents at the council-owned flats, which also includes sheltered accommodation were alerted to a possible fire after the smoke alarms went off and followed the building’s evacuation procedure.

Firefighters went into the flat and made sure there was no danger before letting people return to their homes.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the number of engines sent to the call is part of a “pre-determined attendance to high rise incidents”.